Since beating Mexico’s Oscar Larios Sunday morning at the Big Dome, the hard-hitting boxer has been practically everywhere, being paraded, cheered and toasted like he’d just won the presidency.
After the fight, Pacquiao, in his P3 million Dodge van, was brought back to his Manila Hotel suite. The two-bedroom suite was packed with family members, close friends and other well-wishers.
After resting for a couple of hours, Pacquiao was back out on the streets, paraded along Baywalk in Roxas Blvd. by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, one of the boxer’s biggest supporters.
Pacquiao was back in his suite in time for dinner, and, according to those close to him, went to sleep just before midnight. His wife Jinkee and their two sons Michael and Jimwell were around.
Monday started with another parade around the busy streets of Manila. He was brought to the city hall by the mayor and his son Ali who rode with Pacquiao at the back of a red off-road vehicle.
Shortly after lunch, it was time to visit Malacañang for an audience with President Arroyo. Pacquiao, clad in barong, was joined by fellow boxer Jimrex Jaca as the President raised their hands in victory.
A party was hosted by ABS-CBN Monday evening. Pacquiao spent the rest of the night at the Makati Coliseum where the Gen. Santos native participated in a four-cock derby.
Pacquiao went home a winner, scoring three wins against a single setback.
Yesterday, Pacquiao was on television, gracing the noontime show "Wowowee" and belting one of his songs entitled "Laban Ko, Laban Mo" with composer Lito Camo on the guitar.
Pacquiao went straight to the Manny Pacquiao Promotions office in Ortigas later in the afternoon. He sounded tired and exhausted when contacted by a scribe through one of his four cellular phones.
Pacquiao is scheduled to appear in the "Magandang Umaga Bayan" television program this morning at 5:30 a.m. Then nobody knows what’s in store for the 27-year-old rest of the day.
A call from San Miguel Corp. executive officer Serge Alombro said Pacquiao will grace a special party at the SMC office in Ortigas from 5 p.m. onwards.
"Mag-papainom si Manny," said Alombro, just as the popular SMC commercial, featuring Pacquiao, goes.
The flamboyant boxer is scheduled to fly to his hometown in Gen. Santos City tomorrow. There, another warm welcome, a victory parade around town, and more parties will come his way.